Best Health Insurance Options in Delaware for 2026

Delaware has a small but active individual market, with a base of self-employed professionals and small businesses concentrated around Wilmington and the coast.

Here's what you need to know about finding the right plan in the First State.

The Delaware Health Insurance Landscape

Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering many lower-income residents. Self-employed and higher-income Delawareans above those limits use the individual market.

Carriers active in Delaware include Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware and AmeriHealth Caritas, among others — a smaller lineup given the state's size.

ACA Marketplace Options in Delaware

Delaware uses the federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov. Enroll during Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15) or a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event.

Because Delaware is small with limited carriers, comparing private-market options is often where healthy residents find better value.

Private Health Insurance in Delaware

For healthy Delawareans — especially self-employed professionals, coastal small business owners, and consultants who don't qualify for subsidies — the private medically underwritten market frequently offers the best value, with lower premiums for healthy applicants.

A healthy 40-year-old near Wilmington or the Delaware beaches might pay meaningfully less monthly than for a comparable Silver ACA plan.

Delaware-Specific Considerations

Small market, limited choice

With few carriers on the exchange, an agent who shops private options adds real value for Delawareans.

Coastal small business

Delaware's beach-town economy includes many independent operators who buy their own coverage.

Proximity to regional care

Many Delawareans use providers in nearby Philadelphia and Maryland — check that networks cover the doctors you actually use.

How to Find the Best Plan in Delaware

Delawareans benefit from comparing the private market against a small marketplace — having someone shop both is key.

1. Determine your income and whether you'd qualify for any ACA subsidies
2. Assess your health history — are you a good candidate for medically underwritten plans?
3. Work with an independent agent who has access to both ACA and private-market options
4. Compare total cost — premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum
5. Confirm your doctors and hospitals are in network before enrolling